In January 25, 2021，the second edition eGYLA program was organized. The edition was very special because it reflects the principle of SDG4:inclusive and high quality education and learning for all young people. Over 450 participants from 14 top universities participated in the programs. During the learning period, GYLAers produced over 70 high quality of the articles for GYLA Daily and social media. They also produced a series of TV programs to share the information and knowledge with those young people who were not able to participate in the GYLA program.
The opening ceremony began with a virtual talent show in which participants sang the song “The Same as You”, sharing their future dreams and passion for a better world. Following the show, members of GYLA ‘Dream Team’, the staff of the programme, introduced themselves and their roles.
After the talent show, the keynote speakers shared their wit and wisdom with GYLA participants. Mr. Donglin Li, ILO Liaison Officer, shared six principles for youth to be global leaders: global mindsets, humanitarian of being a great country, competencies of multi-cultural management, risk and crisis
management, project management and code of conduct. Mr. Jun Xing, unit head of Country Capacity for International Health Regulations (IHR) under the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, highlighted the importance for youth to be aware of current international healthcare issues, adapt to diverse cultures, and be willing to make contributions. The third speaker is Ms. Yue Liu, professor from College of Foreign Languages and Cultures of Xiamen University. She applauded the significant role GYLA plays in educating youth for exchanges and communication in international community and human civilization, and she shared her expectations for youth to lead the world to a brighter future in this rapidly changing world.
In the following three weeks, GYLA will present courses of four modules on understanding of international organization and global engagement, frontier topics on sustainable development, improvement of soft skills for future global leaders, and enhancement of management skills for career development to empower the youth to be systems thinkers, change makers, social innovators and global leaders. In addition to courses on a range of topics, GYLA will also provide opportunities for participants to sharpen their soft skills such as teamwork, writing, editing, and communication. Participants will be invited to contribute to Wechat articles, GYLA Daily newsletter, video production, talent show etc.
The past year of 2020 was an unusual and monumental year. In this new year of 2021, GYLA spares no effort to empower young people to develop leadership knowledge and skills for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. GYLAers, rise and shine in 2021!
